Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the VA examination reports are inadequate and remands the cases for further development.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine strain is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as there was no ankylosis or neurologic abnormalities.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and denied a TDIU, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and service. The claim will be granted as the preponderance of the evidence is in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the service connection of the low back disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's spine disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent due to lack of limitation of forward flexion, favorable ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a stomach disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Veteran's claim for left arm cellulitis is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition during or proximate to the appeal period.

The Veteran's low back disability, which includes chronic orthopedic symptoms of lumbar spine strain with degenerative joint disease and disc disease, has been rated at 20 percent since July 1, 2020. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence did not show that his symptoms warranted a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and right lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied service connection for a left upper extremity disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's lumbar disability, including limitations of motion and flare-ups. The Veteran will need to undergo further examination and provide additional evidence.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine arthritis is granted service connection, but his melanoma claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability and bilateral radiculopathy disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment for the period prior to April 16, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disorder, sciatic radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and femoral radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are all rated at their maximum allowable evaluations. The Veteran's left hip disorder is also rated at its maximum allowable evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection and secondary service connection for a neck disability, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions regarding ionizing radiation exposure during service. The Veteran's bilateral ankle, knee, hip, and low back disabilities are related to his active service, including ionizing radiation exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, but the issues of secondary service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an increased rating for left knee disability are remanded.